About the programme
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is a NZQF Level 7 programme at Whitireia & WelTec worth 120 credits that offers a one-year, full-time route into the tech sector. Students build practical skills in software development, data science or cybersecurity.
The diploma responds to demand for people who combine technical ability with business awareness, including network and data specialists, system architects, developers, business analysts and cybersecurity experts. Students learn to tackle practical problems using the tools and techniques used in industry.
Learners put together their own set of courses according to the pathway they want, with advice from programme staff. Electives come from the course schedules of the Bachelor of Information Technology and the Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security. Course sets can be built around cyber security, applied data science, interaction design, networking and infrastructure, or software development.
Teaching is at the Petone campus, and part-time study is possible. The programme suits bachelor's graduates, from related or unrelated fields, who want to change careers or go deeper into IT.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent practical, professional or educational experience
- Graduates of unrelated degrees may be admitted at the Programme Manager's discretion if they are judged likely to succeed
- Non-native English speakers: IELTS academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, taken within the last two years, or equivalent
What you study
- Cyber Security
- Applied Data Science
- Interaction Design
- Networking and Infrastructure
- Software Development
- Electives from the Bachelor of Information Technology and Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security schedules
Careers after graduation
- Cyber security: security analyst, administrator, incident responder, security engineer
- Data: business intelligence analyst, data analyst, data engineer, database developer, systems analyst
- Interaction design: UI/UX designer, user experience researcher, front-end developer
- Networking: network or systems engineer, cloud support, network administrator, service desk
- Software: full stack or web developer, DevOps engineer, IoT, mobile or game developer, software tester
- Employment in public and private organisations, IT firms, self-employment or teaching
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitireia & WelTec website